Dual Power Supply Isolation via Voltage Threshold Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems connected to multiple power supplies require galvanic isolation to prevent current flow from one supply to another, which can be complex and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system with a detection device that monitors the voltage between power supply terminals and uses switches, such as metal-oxide gate field-effect transistors, to isolate the power supplies if the voltage drops below a threshold, eliminating the need for galvanic isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic isolation is used to isolate the two power supplies, then the isolation between power supplies is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential isolation function from complex galvanic isolation infrastructure and implements it through simple voltage detection and switch control. The detection device monitors voltage between power supply terminals and triggers switch opening only when necessary, eliminating the need for continuous complex isolation mechanisms while maintaining power supply isolation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the voltage signal itself as the trigger for isolation action. The detection device monitors the voltage between power supply terminals and automatically triggers the switch to open when the voltage drops below a threshold, making the system self-regulating without requiring external complex isolation control mechanisms
2Reliability
If galvanic isolation is used to prevent current flow from one power supply to another, then the safety is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive galvanic isolation components with inexpensive voltage detection circuits and simple switching elements. The detection device and switch are much cheaper than galvanic isolation infrastructure, and the system only activates isolation when needed, reducing both component cost and manufacturing complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the isolation approach from continuous physical isolation (galvanic) to conditional electrical isolation based on voltage parameter monitoring. When the voltage between power supply terminals drops below a threshold, the switch opens to isolate the supplies, providing safety through parameter-based control rather than permanent isolation infrastructure
3Device complexity
If voltage monitoring and switch control are implemented, then the isolation without galvanic isolation is achieved, but the measurement precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a threshold-based detection approach where the detection device monitors voltage and triggers isolation when voltage drops below a predetermined threshold. This partial action (monitoring only when voltage drops) is sufficient for safety isolation without requiring continuous high-precision measurement, balancing measurement requirements with practical implementation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively isolates power supplies in case of voltage drops or short-circuits without the need for galvanic isolation, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first switch through which the electrical device is connected to the second positive input terminal, wherein a detection device is configured to: detect whether a voltage between the second positive input terminal and the second negative input terminal is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, upon such detection, order the opening of the first switch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The electrical system (118) comprises: a first positive input terminal (124) and a first negative input terminal (126) intended to be connected respectively to a first power supply (102) having a first voltage (V1); a second positive input terminal (128) and a second negative input terminal (130) intended to be connected respectively to a second power supply (110) having a second voltage (V2); and an electrical device (122) connected, on the one hand, to the first input terminals (124, 126) and, on the other hand, to the second input terminals (128, 130).The electrical system (118) further includes: a first switch (138) through which the electrical device (122) is connected to the second positive input terminal (128); and a detection device (142) configured to detect whether a voltage (V) between the second positive input terminal (128) and the second negative input terminal (130) is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and, in the event of such detection, to command the opening of the first switch (138).